Cooking In Choos: Tis the Season to be BUSY!

Crazy is the best way to describe the last few weeks for me! Between work, getting my website up and running, attending events and organising one of my own I haven't had a moment to myself. Work finishes up in a just over a week and let me tell you I cannot wait to take some time off to chill..... but before this I've got a few things to fill you in on, so let's begin.

About a month ago I visited the new Betty Tran store to meet the lady herself and check out her new location at Raine Square. I've emailed and chatted to Betty over social media so to actually sit down and have a coffee with this lady who comes from the most humble of beginnings was wonderful. I'll be posting my interview with Betty in full over the coming days but I'll leave you with this, Betty's work ethic, designs and motivation are truly inspiring and hearing her story made me want to do and be better . We are lucky to have an outstanding talent such as Betty at our finger-tips and if you haven't done so already make sure you visit her soon to see just what everyone else is talking about.

Checking out the Betty Tran's newest store at Raine Square

Following on from Betty, I was lucky enough to get an invite from the Hawaiian Group to a special VIP Evening with Donna Hay. I've followed Donna Hay's journey from the very early days and loved her work as food editor of Marie Claire Magazine so when the opportunity to meet her came up I jumped (well begged) at the chance.

Here for the launch of her new book Fresh & Light she joked it featured healthier-style recipes which she stuck to cooking from Monday to Friday or Thursday if she started the weekend early. Donna Hay's cooking style is simple and anyone afraid of getting in the kitchen should definitely try out some of her cookbooks - I have no doubt they will be greeted by success. Super easy, yet delicious she breaks things down, using everyday ingredients to create easy lunches, quick dinners and this book is no different.

So what do you eat when you're at a Donna Hay event - a Donna Hay inspired feast, that's what. Husby and I tried the goat's curd, broad bean and mint bruchettas - so yummy and the beef and radish summer rolls - delightful.

Donna describes her latest cookbook as a combination of fresh ingredients, pantry staple and a few personal tricks for a lighter approach. "It's all about flavour and eating well," she said.

I have a signed copy of Light and Fresh to giveaway and will be announcing the competition on Facebook tomorrow so keep an eye on the page for all the details. In the meantime here are a few pictures from the night:

Donna being introduced

Love her cheeky style

Got introduced to her as Cooking in Choos and she wanted to know all about my shoe collection - love it!

My autographed copy!

Two weekends it was with great delight that I along with husby got to attend the 1st Birthday of Perth fashion designer and my dear friend Steph Audino. Regular readers of my blog know that I met Steph through a family friend and although we've only known each other just on a year it feels like we have been friends forever.

I can't even put into words how proud I am of this talented young lady. In just a short time she has achieved so much and in what has been an unbelievable first year for this emerging WA designer she's determined to keep riding this amazing wave she's on.

Steph was one of the highlights at this year's Perth Fashion Festival, she has dressed the Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, television presenters/journalist Ebbeny Faranda and Angela Tsun and Nic Natanui's partner Elle Demasi recently wore a couture gown to the West Coast Eagles Fairest & Best. Her biggest coup however was when former Spice Girl and X Factor judge Mel B hand-picked five of her pieces to wear when she visited Perth earlier this year for PFF.

To add another feather to her cap, Steph Audino has also just been picked up to sell her latest collection as part of Claremont's Ten at Times Pop Up Boutique for the next two weeks, this just after taking part in a Designer Charity event (held by me and my sister-in-law) over the weekend.

The year isn't over for Steph Audino and I know that this first year is the beginning of what's to come , trust me when I say this young lady is destined for big things - watch this space.

Congratulations again Steph, I wish you all the best and look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you xxx